Virtual reality–enhanced parent education for NICU caregivers
Official title: Virtual Reality-Enhanced Parent Education and Its Effect on Neonatal Intensive Care Practices: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Jouf University · NCT07410858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot will try short VR training sessions to help parents of newborns in the NICU learn caregiving tasks and build confidence compared with standard education.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Jouf University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ismailia, Ismailia, Egypt.) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07410858 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are parents or legal guardians aged 18 or older of a neonate admitted to the NICU within 72 hours who read Arabic and are willing to consent and participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Parents with epilepsy or vestibular disorders, those whose infant is expected to leave the unit within 48 hours, or those unable to use VR are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-center, randomized, parallel-group pilot enrolls parents of neonates admitted to the NICU and randomly assigns them to VR-enhanced education or standard parent education. The intervention group receives short immersive VR sessions using a headset that demonstrate NICU orientation and routine caregiving procedures, while the control group receives usual verbal and printed instruction. Study outcomes focus on feasibility (recruitment, adherence, retention), parent knowledge and confidence, observed caregiving practices, and VR safety/tolerability. Results will generate preliminary effect-size estimates to inform larger trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, VR training could increase parent confidence and caregiving competence in the NICU and ease the transition to home care.
How similar studies have gone: Virtual reality has shown promise for medical and caregiver training in other settings, but its use for NICU parent education is relatively novel with only limited pilot data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parent or legal guardian of a neonate admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) within 72 hours of admission * Age 18 years or older * Able to read and understand the study language (Arabic) * Willing to provide informed consent and participate in study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Parent with a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy, vestibular disorder, or any medical condition that contraindicates virtual reality exposure * Parent of a neonate expected to be discharged or transferred within 48 hours * Parent unable to complete study procedures or assessments
Where it's running
-
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Suez Canal University Hospital
Ismailia, Ismailia, Egypt., Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nadia B. Elsharkawy, Assoc.Prof.
- Email: nelsharkawy@ju.edu.sa
- Phone: 00966554180474
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.